Astrid Architects

Details. I didn’t pay much attention to this stained glass window when I surveyed the house but having meticulously drawn it up this morning I can really appreciate its beauty. Looking forward to seeing it really shine as this project progressing.

Check your architect is the real deal quickly with the ARB register. Anyone not on there isn’t a UK architect. We have to pass lots of exams and keep fulfilling quality-based criteria throughout our careers so it’s worth checking!
Shared from my talented friend Karen Harper’s company page Added Value Architecture.

Sometimes the beginning of an architecture project can be something of a mathematical puzzle- how to increase the volume and height of a hipped roof but still keep its original style and character. This option fills in the existing rear off-shot, but with a chalet-style roof extension could accommodate two new bedrooms in the attic.

Gathering inspiration for an external raised deck and stairs project - lots of hills in Sheffield mean that ground floors are often a storey up at the rear of a house. This one has a basement flat underneath too, and these materials could provide access to the garden without blocking the light to lower ground floor windows.

Really pleased to get planning permission for this extension and garage conversion project in north Sheffield- a week before we were expecting the decision date as well!

I can’t resist a lovely notebook- especially if I can justify it for making me work more efficiently. I’m enjoying this one already- which of these self-improvement goals should I tick..?

It doesn’t seem long ago that I was doing a survey in 1 degree temperatures... today add 29 degrees to that. Luckily I’ve got my new home-made utility belt for all my surveying gadgets, making things a lot more efficient! Still peeved that the only ready-made ones that would fit are pink and for fancy dress... Women have tools too!

I'm really pleased with how this project is developing through the collaborative design process with such great clients. A large extension to a lovely period property in west Sheffield. We are hoping to make the house as environmentally friendly as possible, with some lovely features like a green roof as well as some technologies and systems which aren't quite as colourful!

My good deed of the day - rescuing a butterfly while doing a survey. Hope the little guy is doing ok!

It’s been great to see progress at site on this kitchen/diner extension project in Dore. It’s going to be a really light space with these large Veluxes and bi-fold doors. Good to catch up with my favourite team of builders too!

Facing arachnophobia head on... one outbuilding survey at a time. Cobwebs in my hair but I managed to get all the dimensions!

Getting back to the basics of architecture by making a teepee for my daughter. Phase 1 complete - holes drilled in wooden dowels, trimmed to size, and the fabric cut out. I’ve always been fascinated by American Indian culture and architecture and this takes me back to a research project I did years ago in my first year at university.

It’s good to see things gradually take shape through sketches and computer models. On this live/work new build project I’m experimenting with materials that could work with self-build, such as charred timber cladding and cedar shingles.

It was very exciting to get these shiny beauties in the post today. They’re almost too nice to give away!

One of the most fun things about being an architect - getting deliveries of materials samples! These are some pretty advanced decking products which could work well on a landscaping project. As much as I love the look and feel of natural wood, it’s no fun when it’s really slippery!

One plan, so much potential. Early sketches for a detached timber frame annexe - an exciting project to create a little garden hideaway.

It’s been great getting back to basics with some hand drawing on this project. Relying on CAD software’s ability to create funky roof shapes is never a good idea when trying to be creative!